Things to Do in Koh Phangan, Thailand – A Complete Guide

Flo MBT
Aug 2
4 min read

Koh Phangan is best known for its famous Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach, but there's another side to the island—one of natural beauty and peaceful charm. Since we’d mostly heard about Koh Phangan because of its party scene, we were surprised to find that the island is actually quite large—around 125 km². We had pictured something small, like Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lipe, but Koh Phangan has way more to explore than we expected.

This ultimate guide covers everything you need to know, from how to get there to the best things to do—plus pro tips to help you make the most of your trip!

Best Ways to Reach Koh Phangan
How to Get Around Koh Phangan
How Long to Spend in Koh Phangan
Things to Do in Koh Phangan
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Best Ways to Reach Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is relatively easy to reach! While there’s no airport on the island, you can get there by ferry from Thailand’s mainland or nearby islands, depending on where you're coming from.

🚢 From Koh Samui: Take a short taxi or shuttle to one of the main piers (Big Buddha Pier, Maenam Pier, or Lipa Noi Pier). From there, hop on a ferry to Koh Phangan—travel time is about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the boat type.

🚢 From Koh Tao: Catch a ferry to Koh Phangan, which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. Several operators run daily routes between the islands.

🚢 From Mainland: From Surat Thani, take a bus or van to Donsak Pier (about 1.5 hours), then board a ferry to Koh Phangan. Ferry time is about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the operator.

Our Experience

Before arriving in Koh Phangan, we started our day in Ao Nang. We took a van at 9:00 AM that brought us to the Krabi Bus Station, where we transferred to a larger bus heading toward Donsak Pier. From there, we caught the ferry to Koh Phangan and finally arrived around 5:00 PM—a full day of travel, but it all went smoothly.

We booked the entire trip through 12Go, which made the process super easy and hassle-free.

How to Get Around Koh Phangan

The best way to explore Koh Phangan is by renting a scooter! While the island is fairly large at 125 km², it's easy to get around thanks to a few main roads and light traffic. A scooter gives you the freedom to explore hidden beaches, viewpoints, and quiet villages at your own pace.

How Long to Spend in Koh Phangan

It really depends on what you're looking for! You can easily spend 3 full days exploring Koh Phangan.

Things to Do in Koh Phangan

#1 Wander Around the Different Beaches

Koh Phangan is home to some breathtaking beaches, each with its own vibe and charm:

Haad Yuan – A chill, peaceful beach, ideal for escaping the Full Moon party crowd. Great for yoga, good food, and quiet vibes.
Haad Rin – The famous Full Moon Party beach. Wild at night, beautiful by day, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Secret Beach (Haad Son) – A tucked-away gem with calm waters and excellent snorkeling. One of the best spots to catch a sunset with a cocktail in hand.
Leela Beach – A quieter alternative to Haad Rin with powdery white sand and gorgeous sunset views.
Koh Ma – A tiny island connected to the main island by a sandbar. Amazing for snorkeling, drone shots, and watching the tide slowly reveal or cover the sandy path.

#2 Explore Paradise and Wangsai Waterfalls

These two waterfalls are close to each other on the northwest side of the island, making them easy to visit on the same day. Both require a small entrance fee (30 to 50 baht), and the short hikes to each are scenic and not too difficult.

Paradise Waterfall – Often flowing during the rainy season, it has a fun, adventurous path with rope swings and little pools to dip into.
Wangsai Waterfall – Offers a tranquil jungle setting, perfect for a quick refresh. There's a restaurant nearby if you want to rest and grab a drink afterward.

#3 Hike to the Viewpoint Over Bottle Beach

The hike to the Bottle Beach viewpoint is a must-do for nature lovers. Starting from the east or from Haad Khom, the trail takes 30–45 minutes and is moderately challenging — bring water and good shoes. The reward? One of the most epic views on the island, overlooking turquoise waters and the pristine Bottle Beach below.

Tip: Head there in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and get the best light for photos.

#4 Visit Ban Haad Rin

Even if you're not in town for the Full Moon Party, Haad Rin is worth a visit. During the day, you can explore its bustling streets, relax on the beach, or visit the Haad Rin Nai lighthouse viewpoint for a panoramic look at the surrounding sea. In the evening, enjoy fire shows, beach bars, and a vibrant (but more low-key) nightlife vibe when it’s not full moon season.

#5 Take a Thai Cooking Class

Want to bring the flavors of Thailand home with you? Koh Phangan has several local cooking schools where you can learn to make authentic Thai dishes like pad thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. Most classes include a market tour, ingredient prep, and a sit-down meal to enjoy what you’ve cooked. Great for food lovers or as a fun activity with friends or a partner.

#6 Rent a Scooter and Explore the Island

Koh Phangan is relatively easy to explore by scooter, and it's the best way to discover hidden beaches, jungle trails, and laid-back villages. Just be cautious — some roads are steep and winding. Stop by local fruit stands, viewpoints, and temples along the way.